Exploratory energy research program of the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Progress report

Abstract Context Medical students, especially at osteopathic medical schools, have limited research exposure. Systematic instruction in research, supervised by qualified mentors, could motivate osteopathic medical students to pursue research in their careers, thereby increasing the number of future clinician-scientists. Recruiting and retaining suitable research mentors are crucial to sustaining such programs, but this task is also particularly challenging for osteopathic medical schools. Objectives To assess mentors' experiences in a voluntary student-mentor medical research program. Methods An online survey was sent to 76 university- or hospital-based participants who previously mentored 219 medical students between 2014 and 2019. The questionnaire consisted of 13 items with responses in checklist, five-point Likert scale, and categorical multiple-choice formats, assessing motivation for participation, satisfaction with the program, and interest in future participation. Data were analyzed descriptively, and responses from mentors at the university and hospital were compared using univariate logistic and ordinal regression analyses. Results Among 70 (92.1%) mentors who responded to the survey, 61 (87.1%) reported being motivated by a desire to help medical students learn research. Forty-nine (70.0%) mentors indicated that furthering their own research productivity was a motivation, and hospital-based mentors were statistically significantly more likely to endorse this source of motivation (OR=2.02; 95% CI=1.18–3.45; p=0.01). Most respondents were satisfied with the quality of the students' work (59 [84.3%]) and with the program (59 [85.5%]). However, 46 (65.7%) suggested the program could be enhanced by requiring medical students to be physically present in the clinic or laboratory for a minimum amount of time. Importantly, most (58 [84.1%]) mentors reported that they would be interested in participating in future mentored research programs. Conclusions Mentors were motivated to participate in the voluntary research program for both altruistic and professional reasons. Since most mentors reported being satisfied with the program, it is likely they would participate in future mentored research programs. Our results suggest that mentors viewed this voluntary research program as mutually beneficial.

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Research program on electric propulsion at the University of Rome

10.2514/6.1970-1086 ◽

1970 ◽

Author(s):

A. FANCHIOTTI ◽

S. FANTO ◽

V. NASO ◽

F. PIPERNO ◽

G. SIMONI ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Research Program ◽

Electric Propulsion ◽

University Of Rome ◽

The University

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Development and Results from Application of PCM-Based Storage Tanks in a Solar Thermal Comfort System of an Institutional Building—A Case Study

Energies ◽

10.3390/en13153877 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (15) ◽

pp. 3877 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

F. Javier Batlles ◽

Bartosz Gil ◽

Svetlana Ushak ◽

Jacek Kasperski ◽

Marcos Luján ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Phase Change Materials ◽

Exergy Analysis ◽

Heating System ◽

Storage Tanks ◽

Research Groups ◽

Energy Research ◽

Solar Cooling ◽

Daily Energy ◽

The University

An important element of a solar installation is the storage tank. When properly selected and operated, it can bring numerous benefits. The presented research relates to a project that is implemented at the Solar Energy Research Center of the University of Almeria in Spain. In order to improve the operation of the solar cooling and heating system of the Center, it was upgraded with two newly designed storage tanks filled with phase change materials (PCM). As a result of design works, commercial material S10 was selected for the accumulation of cold, and S46 for the accumulation of heat, in an amount of 85% and 15%, respectively. The article presents in detail the process of selecting the PCM material, designing the installation, experimental research, and exergy analysis. Individual tasks were carried out by research groups cooperating under the PCMSOL EUROPEAN PROJECT. Results of tests conducted on the constructed installation indicate that daily energy saving when using a solar chiller with PCM tanks amounts to 40% during the cooling season.

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Prospective Study of White Matter Health for an Altitude Chamber Research Program

Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance ◽

10.3357/amhp.5730.2021 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 92 (4) ◽

pp. 215-222

Author(s):

Desmond M. Connolly ◽

Henry T. Lupa

Keyword(s):

White Matter ◽

Prospective Study ◽

Research Program ◽

Past History ◽

Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

White Matter Injury ◽

Study Entry ◽

Exposure Limits ◽

Brain White Matter ◽

The University

INTRODUCTION: Hypobaric decompression has been associated with brain white matter injury. Relevant exposure limits are unknown, raising ethical concerns over safety of volunteers for altitude chamber research. To inform this, a prospective study of white matter status using brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was conducted before and after a 9-mo program of hypobaric research.METHODS: Volunteers underwent 3-D, volumetric, fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MRI at the University of Nottingham, UK, on study entry and again after their final exposure. MRI data were analyzed and reported independently at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA. Entry criteria were 5 subcortical white matter hyperintensities (WMH) of total volume 0.08 mL.RESULTS: One volunteer failed screening with 63 WMH (total volume 2.38 mL). Eleven individuals completed 160 short-duration (< 1h) exposures (range 3 to 26) to 18,000 ft pressure altitude (maximum 40,000 ft), no more often than twice weekly. The cohort exhibited eight total WMH on study entry (total volume 0.166 mL) and five (mostly different) total WMH on exit (0.184 mL). Just one WMH (frontal lobe) was present on both entry and exit scans. Excess background WMH on MRI screening were associated with past mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI).CONCLUSIONS: One hypoxia familiarization plus multiple, brief, infrequent, nonhypoxic hypobaric exposures (with denitrogenation) have not promoted WMH in this small cohort. Less intensive programs of decompression stress do not warrant MRI screening. A negative past history of MTBI has strong negative predictive value for excess WMH in young healthy subjects (N 33).Connolly DM, Lupa HT. Prospective study of white matter health for an altitude chamber research program. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2021; 92(4):215222.

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